Nadine Coyle released solo album Insatiable during Girls Aloud's hiatus, but it only managed to reach number 47 on the UK albums chart. The lead single, of the same name, charted at number 26.

Walsh, who managed the girl group after after their victory on Popstars: The Rivals, said that Coyle deserved more success.

"But she didn't marry a footballer. If she'd married a footballer, she'd have been a big star," he added.

The comments have been seen as a swipe at former X Factor colleague Cheryl Cole after she enjoyed a successful solo career and frequent press coverage due in part to her marriage to footballer Ashley Cole.